Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Now, That Hurts!

I have been writing as long as I can remember. As child and in my early teens, I wrote short stories and poems, for my own amusement. I even used to wake up in the middle of the night to make notes on an idea for a story.

When I was in High School, I was on the school newspaper staff, where I wrote everything from news to features to editorials. A couple of my stories and editorials were either reprinted or quoted in the New York Times during the integration crisis at Central High.

In college, I was on the newspaper staff. In those days, the paper was operated independent of the University. It was run like a business and we were paid employees. Finally, the University decided to take over the paper and I resigned in protest, along with the rest of the staff. After that, I got a job writing, among other duties, for the Alumni magazine. That, too was a paid job.

In my Journalism classes, I wrote a couple of feature stories which were printed by the Arkansas Gazette. I was paid for these stories at their going rate.

My point is, I think I can safely call myself a writer, even though I haven't written much since I came to Harrison, apart from news stories in the local paper, for various clubs. I always seemed to be elected "Reporter".

When I went to work, I designed, wrote and edited the company newsletter. There was a printshop there, which helped make the newsletter look professional. Another employee acted as photographer, and eventually, we welcomed other employees as volunteer "reporters". I spearheaded this for almost 15 years and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

On my retirement, my son introduced me to blogging, and I re-discovered my love for writing and acquired decided fondness for expressing my opinions. I also discovered the satisfaction that comes from knowing that others are reading and, (dare I say it?), even even enjoying what I have to say.

So, when my friend tells me that blogging is not REALLY writing, it hurts my feelings. She says this often, and adds that I don't have the "credentials" to consider myself a writer, because I don't get paid for it or have a Journalism degree.

I never argue with her strange notion, because she doesn't own a computer and would never be convinced otherwise. She said it again yesterday, along with the usual scoffing about people I communicate with through comments they make on my blog, and comments I make on theirs. She'd like you to know that you aren't "real" people.

I could tell her that the people I have met through blogging are more "real" than most of the people with whom I am acquainted here in my town. I can tell her that she just doesn't know what she's missing.

I think for her, she is trying to describe an elephant with out ever having seen one. I kinda take umbrage at not being consisered a real person. And if you write and your words are read and appreciated--you are a writer. So there.

Whoever to you that is wayyy out of touch. Blogging is writing. It may not be for profit, but it is writing. Whoever told you that obviously isn't a writer and that there are many of us who are *compelled* to write. You are one of them. I am, too.

That said, you are a very good writer and that is why I try very hard not to miss your blog.

I'm sorry but I don't like your "friend"Why would a friend put down something you enjoy? Even if she felt that way - shut up! Can't she see it brings you joy of some kind?

And for the record I am real. I am kind, I am smart, I can be too emotional and lead with my heart but by God I am real with a great real life and I can't spell for a lick. I am kick ass when I have to be and if she were my toxic friend she'd find out.

To everyone: Thank you for your kind words. I know I have made my friend sound terrible, and she isn't. She just doesn't have a filter. Everything that wanders through her mind comes out her mouth. I've known her so long, I've learned to just get over what she says, most of the time. Sometimes getting over it is harder than others.

Hooray for you. I felt a kinship with you as I read about your writing life. I too wrote during my teen years and was on the High School newspaper. And was a journalism major in college. I won several writing contests and enjoy expressing myself with words. Your friend is just jealous of you and your interesting (dare I say it ) hobby.

Well, this 'non-person' thinks your friend may be just a wee bit jealous Betty. Shame on her for letting the 'green-eyed monster' speak for her in such an unattractive way. I think that's enough said...besides, your non-writing self seemed to say everything beautifully. Happy Labor Day sweetie... ~Joy

About Me

This blog used to be called "Old Dog, New Trick", but it doesn't seem to fit, somehow. Oh, I'm still old, but I learned this new trick (blogging) years ago, so it's an old trick, now. Anyway, I love to read, watch movies, blog, travel whenever possible and gamble (slots). I tend to think everyone is entitled to my opionion, so you'll read a lot of that here. Feel free to disagree, nicely.